I normally love good vibrations but I won't come back to the lakeshore location after what I've experienced. I recently had gotten top surgery, called in to see if they had binders in stock, and needed a binder that opened on the side, which they had listed on their website. Even though it's much more expensive to go to them, I wanted to support a small business. A worker placed the product on hold, my friend went to pick it up. They said there was some issue because the product got misplaced, no problem. They said they found it. My friend gets the binder, I open it and realize it's long. I can't use it because it would aggravate my stitches. I was clear on the phone that the binder would be used as a post top surgery garment when I initially called - my friend called them back to let them know there was a mistake. They said to come back the next day. They refused to offer a refund or a store credit. I can understand if it was a sex toy, but this is an article of clothing. You can put it on a hanger and sell it. It was completely unworn, with the original receipt. The assistant manager and manager were fake nice, lied about telling me the binder was long, and condescending. It was completely uncalled for and rude. This was handled so unprofessionally. read more

Laura was a gem! As a first timer in this type of shop, she made me feel comfortable and explained everything in such a classy and knowledgeable way. It was a trip highlight for sure! read more

An "oldie, but goodie" place. LOVE when Good Vibrations opened, and continue to love this store.

I was so excited to go to Good Vibrations last night with my new boyfriend. It was our first time going to a sex shop together and I was so excited to take him as a surprise. I have been supporting Good Vibrations for many years as I knew Joani Blank the founder. What was supposed to be a fun and playful experience ended up being so off-putting due to the manager. I didn't get her name but she was rude from the moment we walked in. I know Good Vibrations were started to create a safe and comfortable space for people to ask questions and by pleasurable things. The manager is took all the pleasure out of it unfortunately. She was rude from the moment we arrived so much so that I didn't want any service from her, but she was the only one that kept so-called trying to help us until eventually I asked for one of the trainees who was much better. Despite being Pride weekend, we were told to be quiet even though we were the only people in the store and were not allowed to express any of our kinky desires, even quietly to each other. We had gone there to look at cock rings which I don't know much about. The trainee did her best to help us and was really sweet but didn't know enough to educate us. When the manager rest came over, she didn't help either and wasn't able to guide us on our product selection. I am a sex educator and they used to offer discounts for sex educators at their stores. They also used to have loyalty cards and when I presented mine even though it was almost full they said they would not honor it and would not give us credits towards our purchase for the day. Thankfully my boyfriend was buying so we weren't really there for the discounts but it just felt so negative and corporate instead of welcoming and inviting. I was so excited to see some of my friends and colleagues books in the store and would have done lots of marketing for the store with rave reviews, including free marketing to my 6,600 00 closest friends around the world on social media. I didn't dare ask to take a photo just of the book that I was so excited to see in the store. We ended up buying less money and going online to another store instead. At the end I asked to speak to the manager and she pulled me aside to scold me saying that I needed to not make other people uncomfortable in the store. There was still only two other customers in the store and I had been very discreet when being flirty with my boyfriend. I felt shamed for being kinky in the store even though we didn't do anything explicit or inappropriate. What a disappointing experience. I will definitely support Good Vibrations but will not be returning to the store. I'm so sad that it was a sex negative experience read more

Been years since I last visited this shop. But still as great as I remember. Sex-positive, body-positive educational focus with knowledgable, helpful, and respectful staff. Don't let those other reviews deter you from going! Oh and I almost forgot to mention they have a great replacement policy if gadgets break. Just return the product with all parts and show proof of purchase within 2 years. read more

The person who helped me in the store was knowledgeable, but a bit condescending and fake-nice. Granted, I was a bit critical of some of the products to my friend, but I never directed those comments at the staff nor was I making a scene. It was like the staffer took my critique personally; either that, or the prickly demeanor is her default, idk. When I discovered an issue with one of my products, I called to clarify their policies. The person on the phone was immediately defensive, even though I had made no accusations nor demanded a refund. Good Vibes has a culture problem; I experience this "vibe" at a lot of their stores. I gave both of these people the benefit of the doubt, and tried to redirect the interaction to a more positive and relaxed tone. Neither of them reciprocated. Customer service can really suck, but it's like these people would rather drown in 6in of water than simply stand up and be nice. I used to like some of their proprietary products, but since they are discontinued, I now feel free to shop elsewhere. The prices are just ridiculous, too. read more

I agree with other reviews that the woman working was extremely rude, mean, and condescending. I had a few questions about the different types of lube available, and she got all in my face acting like my questions were stupid and I shouldn't be asking them, and on top of that she actually had no idea anything about them and gave me false info a few times. She acted like I was wasting her time, cut me off a bunch of times, and was snarky and sarcastic toward me. I didn't end up buying anything because the interaction made me feel so bad. As a woman living in a society that shames us for sex so much, it can be vulnerable owning our sexuality and even walking into a sex shop to buy this stuff! So it really helps women feel safe in doing so if the people working there are kind and respectful. At all other Good Vibes locations I've been to, the employees have been, kind, helpful, sex positive people who are happy to answer questions and help people become informed. Not sure what's going on at this one but I probs wouldn't come back here. read more

Have been to this location on two different occasions, both times the staff has been rude. Today was my second time in and will be my last. I walked in and the girl said if I want I can put my bag on the counter. I said I would rather keep it on my person because it was my purse. She said I have to put my bag down, did not give any explanation as to why. I walk around to the other side of the store and two people are looking at merchandise on the other side of the store. Lo and behold, one of the customers has a backpack on their person that is as big as my bag, if not bigger. This pissed me off because I felt profiled and not welcome. I turned around and promptly grabbed my bag and left the facility. Sales representatives should be able to explain their store policies in a professional manner and not cherry pick who they choose to enforce their policies on. Do better read more

The woman working the counter was extremely condescending the entire time and made me feel stupid for asking basic questions. As I was checking out, she told me the product I was buying would likely break but I could go ahead and buy it "if I wanted to." I am unsure how she was hired. Unfortunately I will not be coming back and am warning my friends. read more

Super rude employees who don't help out and are not customer focused. Seemed like they were on a power trip.

Excellent! Courteous. Informed. The experience was painless and respectful. I left the venue surprised by the no-trip helpfulness of the lady who answered my questions and guided me quickly to my every request. Very impressed. read more

Good vibrations? Try bad vibes. Not greeted when I walked in, the sales people felt stand offish, and when I asked where something was, I felt like I was an imposition. It actually put me in a bad mood coming here. read more

Great selection of toys. Had what I wanted. Store was clean and bright. There was no greeting or offer to help locate anything. read more

Extremely rude staff. The woman working here has no customer service training. You definitely lost potential customers.

Thank you so much for all the special care tonight! Shout out to Tracy for the patience and kindness In regards to the protocols to do with covid, they were efficient and clean. I have no complaints whatsoever, they were exactly what I was hoping for: knowledgeable and personal. I didn't feel embarrassed at all! :,) thanks again, we'll be back! read more

So disappointed, my item was not able to turn on when I brought it home. I brought it back to the store to requesting a refund. The store employee was able to turn it on but not constantly. If something only works sometimes it is broken. I was not able to return the item. I will not be shopping there anymore. read more

This is the better east bay location: you will find a better selection and warmer associates than the San Pablo shop. They used to have really upbeat events before 2020, and have moved most online unfortunately. It's a cute shop, but I hope they bring more events back in store, otherwise it's best just to buy online elsewhere because the pricing is quite inflated for what they carry. Great place to pick up something last minute though read more

I guess they're "Profiling" people now...? This was the 1st time I've ever experienced this at a Good Vibes & it was NOT a good feeling. (One thing I know about Good Vibes culture is that staff is supposed to provide guests w/ comfortable SPACE while they shop) I came in to check out the book collection. Perhaps my Brown complexion & kinda Andro appearance--- paired with an oversized coat in this dreary March weather made me look "suspicious". I'd barely gotten to the section when one member deliberately walked over to me & asked if I needed help with anything. 'No thanks'. Simple enough. However, next thing another member decides to "straighten up' the area I just happen to be in. And lingers there the entire time I'm browsing. I go to another section...here comes another member, and another casually walking by. Any section I went to I could just feel the eyes. **The only problem is that they ALL just happened to peer down to see what item (book) I was carrying in my hands. At one point I GOT SO UNCOMFORTABLY SELF-CONSCIOUS that I just sat the book down on a shelf while I continued to browse-- just to ease the tension of them thinking I might try to steal something. (their behavior was subtle enough that I actually had to ask myself was I trippin'?? But the thing is the energy from these folks was felt. Again--- that's not the vibe I'm familiar with at Good Vibes. For whatever reason, I was definitely made to feel Out of Place and on their Alert) In the end I returned the book to it's shelf & left calmly...while someone called behind me to 'have a nice day'. I looked back & everyone had returned to their original posted positions. Not Cool. ... apparently my presentation wasn't up-to-par for them today. read more

A special shout out to Nicole. Good Vibrations is the my go to spot when I'm seeking professional expertise on a particular product. Every time my partner and I come in, we almost always leave with a pleasant experience. Excited and anxious to return home and enjoy our new special toy(s). Thank you, Nicole at Good Vibrations for your very appreciated and very discreet assistance helping my partner and I find the right "size". read more

Horrible and rude staff. And I was an easy sale cuz I knew exactly what I wanted. Tempted to return it all and order online. Trying to support local business but they make it hard. If I was the owner I'd fire them. 11/16/2020 read more

I really wish I read these Yelp reviews before going in to shop. I went in knowing exactly what I wanted, my first mistake was not looking online. I stand by supporting small and local businesses, but gosh everything here is so over priced! And of course, "All sales are final". So now I can't even return these items. I would recommend shopping online if you know what you are looking for. read more

One cannot imagine a better retail experience than I had with my friend while shopping for a vibrator at Oakland's Good Vibrations. She is 70 years young, a widow, and her last orgasm was many years ago because, believe it or not, she had never masturbated in her life! Seriously!! We both blame her Catholic upbringing (and a loving husband). The Good Vibrations sexpert who helped us, C.S., was calm, knowledgeable and supportive of my friend's shyness and vulnerability in a world of which she had no ken except that it was sinful! (remember the whole Catholic thing and never masturbated in 70 years). With C.S.'s able assistance, we made a life-changing decision to purchase a Pom (by Dame), the price of which my friend initially blanched at ($113 with tax), but . . . My friend cared not a wit about the price after three earth-shattering orgasms that night and the next morning. I forget which was 2 and 1 but, who the hell cares, the Pom is an awesome product!! I'm gonna buy a half dozen as gifts for some lady friends, my night stand and my car's glove box. What I'm testifying to is that Good Vibrations and C.S. supremely enhanced the quality of a deserving woman's life. And maybe more women, once I give out those Pom's as Xmas stocking stuffers (if you know what I mean, and I'm sure you do if you're reading a Yelp review for Good Vibrations). read more

They had no customers but roped off the entrance and stop anyone from entering without interrogation. Being a male they made me feel unwelcome. Acted like they had never heard of the dildoes that go in forking machines, just vibrators. Right read more

I came in to replace one of my favorite toys, and was inspired to treat myself to something new after browsing a bit. CS helped me and was very friendly and knowledgeable about the toys. They answered all my questions and had some great tips as well. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

I appreciate the niche that this place fills but if you want to ask your staff to really pursue customers and be aggressively helpful, you should train them better. In my experience, most of the staff are a really confusing mix of gregarious yet angry, while being surprisingly oblivious about the merchandise. The last time I was here, I was shopping for a strap-on with my partner and this guy we were dominating. The sales person asked if we needed help, and when I said "No thanks," she retorted brusquely, raising her eyebrows, that the plug I had selected wouldn't fit the strap-on harness I had already selected. I showed her how the harness actually came with a couple of rings so that you can use smaller or larger plugs and explained that I'd used the same kind before. She literally sighed, rolled her eyes and whirled on her heel without saying anything. I work in the service industry. I hate it when uppity customers try to tell me how to do my job when they are wrong. But frankly, there is a difference between someone calmly sharing accurate information or simply knowing what they want, versus someone who's being an asshole. Another time, I asked the sales person which vibrator was the quietest and she just looked at me sideways, shrugged and said, "I dunno. Why do you care?" HEY BITCH I WAS LIVING WITH FAMILY AT THE TIME BC I WAS JUST GETTING OUT OF A BAD RELATIONSHIP AND IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS TO ASK OR SAY SOMETHING JUDGEMENTAL CRIES RUNNING AWAY SOBS They really should have a bit more bdsm stuff too, IMO. A lot of people might want to explore something more than a shitty novelty paddle and fuzzy handcuffs, but would be intimidated by the hard leather atmosphere of somewhere like Mr. S. Just a leetle weetle bit more? All that said, if you are a youngin' buying your first vibrator, or a fairly vanilla couple breaking into poly, or a lesbian soccer mom, this is probably the place for you. read more

Evet was so awesome. I noticed her outside of the store initially. She appear to be a nice pedestrian as she was frequently waving and smiling. As me and my friend walked into the store she did not hesitate to educate us on some of the devices and the added bonus of the Yelp discount. she was patient and very knowledgeable and made me feel beyond comfortable about the questions I had. she definitely convinced me to purchase some items here. The other two African american employees were extremely knowledgeable as well. I noticed their direct eye contact with other customers. I will definitely be back if I need anything else. Added bonus: I called local erotic stores to compare prices. This location outbeated them. Also they carried awesome accessories that other local stores did not. Such as tomboi straps and strap rings. Make sure to check in as you will receive some free samples. Also there's an option to pay Yelp like $10 and this location will match what you pay Yelp and subtract that from your overall Purchase. I saved like $15. read more

Friendly and professional service! The worker who helped me today was patient and knowledgeable. She also took her time to give me good service, checking the back for any supplies not in the front and talking through warranties with me. I've been here before and they haven't given me bad service. Love that she also gave me some education on some toys.. lol. I would support and come back, of course. read more

Helpful and sweet people. They are unbiased and non judgmental. I love coming here because it's an actual sex shop and not a porn shop.It's brightly lit and colorful. It's a store more suited for females but males have a few things they might want to check out too. They have an variety for things to chose from and definitely for 18+. They are very helpful and will try to find the answers to your questions if you have any. They have books, to movies, toys and things and i love how some things you can buy a smaller quantity to try out before actually having to buy an bigger pack just to realize i hate it. They always have great deals and little hooks to lure you in. Thank you for being so professional and making the experience so relaxing. read more

Very nice people, this location is larger than the one in Berkeley & its spacious. The first time I went there was Valentine's Day 2013 & they offered me some cookies. :) read more

The store itself is clean, well stocked, and fairly priced. Covid precautions are strictly maintained. But I have yet to encounter a smiling face or friendly staff member after visiting 5+ times. Employees here are cold, distant, and uninviting. So bizarre for an adult store. read more

This place is a class act and this outlet of the local chain is the best of them. It has a simple elegance inside that is really refreshing for an adult product mecca. I'm especially glad to see their appealing and inviting window display, it gives a better sense of what you'll find inside that the plain frosted windows suggest in the other locations. read more

Clean, bright, fun array of toys. I found a few things for myself and partner. We're both satisfied. I will return! They were friendly and answered all my questions and concerns. Gave good advice on what different toys are for. Explained their policies and the toys warranties at checkout and wrote the timeframes on my receipt. I appreciate that! read more

Walked into good vibrations with a couple of friends and browsed around for some valentines items. I had came across some massage candles that were tagged for $12 dollars, there were 3 with the same price tags. So I grabbed 2 to check out. It rang up as $26 dollars, I told them the price tags says $12, not just one but all 3 that was on the floor for sale. The cashier informed what I'm assuming was the manager about the situation and she said sorry they were marked incorrectly and that they can give me a discount and it would come out to $19. I told them that I would only purchase them if they are $12 which what they were all marked for. Normally good customer service would adjust to the marked price because it was their mistake but nope not them. I'm sure I could have gotten a price adjustment but honestly didn't want to argue with them over candles. I would never shop at this location again. read more

Very friendly staff. I forgot my glasses and they were kind enough to help me. Really love my purchase

So expensive u can find the same stuff by internet with delivery to your location Amazon,eBay u can find

Great selection! Helpful staff - they don't make you feel uncomfortable for asking questions. Amazing variety! Well lit and clean. Always changing merchandise so you can return and be surprised. You can tell the management really cares about Sex Education because each clerk really knows their stuff and they will demonstrate (in a professional way) how products work and help you understand how to use something at home. I love this small wonderful chain. They got their start in the San Francisco/Bay Area with Joani Blank, the founder, who used to be my neighbor. She was a Sex Positive feminist and changed the world for women and their partners! read more

This place is awesome. I've been shopping here for years and everyone is wonderful. The store is classy and well lit. I love that I can feel and turn on the sample toys to get a better idea of how much I like it. I've run into this with online shopping - I get the item and it's too big, too small, too weak, not what the picture/description implied. The prices are competitive and I'm willing to splurge on quality. I feel comfortable shopping here which, given the nature of the products they stock, is important. They always ask if I need Information for the care for my new item. Uually not, but I like that they inquire. Parking is much easier here than in Berkeley. I've had my eye on a specific toy for a while and I finally decided to get it. Got it home and it was defective. I called and was told I could bring it in so they could look at it. I did and I got it exchanged with no problems. While I wasn't super excited about having to make another trip over there, the continued excellent customer service will have me headed back that way next time I'm looking to buy a new toy. read more

I loved Good Vibrations in the past years and am happy to support local businesses over buying my toys online. But, I no longer shop at this location because of the poor customer service/treatment I received. I hesitated to write this bad review, but I just found my last purchase when I was cleaning my room and still feel such frustration towards a store I used to adore. It's clear that I'm not the only one: something needs to change. I came in knowing exactly what I wanted. I asked for the original Luna Beads. The guy helping me asked if I knew about the mini version. I said yes, and I want the original. He said that it was "for women over 30 and/or who have given birth." I told him three times: I didn't want the minis. I had done my research and knew what I wanted. I felt he was very rude (he made some offensive comments about size) and I don't know where he got this misinformation from. It did not feel like an informed and sex-positive space. At the register, I paid for the beads and left. When I got home, I opened the plain white discreet box to see that he GAVE ME THE MINIS. I went back to the shop the next day and, of course, there were no returns or exchanges. I'm stuck with something I don't want that wasn't cheap! Why I don't want the minis: The inner weighted bead, which is responsible for making the Luna Beads work, is the same size as the weighted bead inside the mini as the original. This means there is much less empty space inside for it to rattle around, and it ends up giving your vagina less or a workout. The weighted ball inside of the plastic bead is naked metal. In the original, that weighted bead is coated in rubber so that the sound of metal on hard plastic isn't a thing. The noise difference between the two is huge. Other people can hear them while you are wearing them. No joke. read more

Good vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvibrations indeed! This store makes me so happy to be a woman. Lingerie, anal beads, keigel balls (I didn't even know these things existed!), a limited supply of bachelorette party goodies, every single type of vibrating toy you'd possibly want, restraints, some kinky books, lotions and lube, and some of the usual stuff for dudes. The vibrators are definitely the stars here, for both solo use and couples use, controlled manually or remotely or with bluetooth using your phone (technology these days?!). The ladies there were super knowledgeable, helpful, and easy to talk to. The space was immaculate, well lit, and organized. I've been to several adult stores, and almost all of them were overly kitschy, creepy, catered towards straight men, or tacky... not exactly brimming with a culture of healthy sexuality, and they've never really made me feel safe enough to express my female sexuality in a way that I wanted to express it. But Good Vibes is a store that somehow manages to be classy, and its products are pretty neutral in terms of "gender norms"... No one needs a bright pink rabbit with glitter in it, thanks. And I don't like having to walk down an aisle and see all those photos of naked women on packages for male sex toys with fake boobs and mouths open and tousled hair and super high heels. Ugh. These are such stereotyped versions of what people like, and they get old very quick. Instead, you'll find sleek, simple designs in tasteful colors, and no naked photos on packages at all. This store is for people who seriously want to explore and play and consider their options in a safe, non-taboo space... it is very mindful of not portraying any one way of "being sexy". In fact, this store was so mindful that it stocked a book on sex positions that had multiracial models in it, and the women were looking at the camera whenever their positions allowed it, as "main characters" of the photos ;) Talk about empowerment! This is not a store for giggly 18 year olds who feel like going to a sex shop because it's "edgy" and they just turned 18. It's for grown ass folks who want to do grown ass things. read more

I came in to replace my vibrator which died sadly. At 12 years its the longest relationship I have had, don' t judge !! It was a hot day so I was grateful for the AC and said so. The clerk decided to give me her best dominatrix routine and barked " check in your bag " I smiled and said "hi ! I am looking for a vibrator " She said again " That's fine but I need your bag first " death stare... okay well I am not into S&M honey I don't need this routine. I gave her my bag and I expected some help however she had moved on to another area to talk to a coworker. This is supposed to be fun and pleasurable...not a hassle. Its Sunday afternoon, relax ! I had no desire to browse after that as the fun was sucked out. I bought what I needed and left. Not sure why the bug up her butt however I think I will just go to the SF locations from now on where I have experienced friendlier service. read more